    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [October 19, 2004]
    [Pages 2599-2600]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Anniversary of the Allied Landing on Leyte Island
    October 19, 2004

        On October 20, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Allied
    landing on Leyte Island's shores, a pivotal moment in the history of the
    War in the Pacific and in the human struggle for liberty. The Leyte
    landing is a central event in the long history of friendship between the
    peoples of the Philippines and the United States.
        This year we are privileged that American, Filipino, and Australian
    veterans once again stand on the very beach where they fought for the
    liberation of the Philippines six decades ago. Many of those brave
    Allied soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice on these shores in the cause
    of freedom. MacArthur, Osmena, Romulo, and all those heroes commemorated
    in bronze on Leyte's shores were tenacious and brave.
        Veterans of the Leyte landing: Know that we will continue to
    recognize this date as a day to draw renewed inspiration from your
    courage and sacrifice in the cause of freedom. We will pass on to our
    children what your great generation has passed to us, a world where
    liberty is the right of all humankind, and where men and women will
    remain vigilant in its defense.

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